The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
0.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
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Review

Results you may expect from using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution:

  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.3 out of 10.
  • Soothing: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

How moisturizing is it?

Slightly moisturizing: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution has a moisturizing rating of 0.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely humectant, but with a low Humectancy of 0.6 out of 10. It has zero Occlusivity as we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list.

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water (est. ≈6.0%) and Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
2
1.9
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
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Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
0.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
2
All soothing 8 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
8
6
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
A solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Citric Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %1
Function
Origin
A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.